Objective Based on field observation to study the adult active regularity of Teinoplpus aureus and their biological traits such as morphological characteristics and living habit of eggs and larvae by using bionic feeding experiments, so as to provide valid data for the study and protection of T.aureus.

Method The field observations for the adult active regularity of T. aureus were conducted from 2004 to 2012. In 2013~2015, all the Magnoliaceae host trees were investigated and the eggs and larvae of T. aureus were collected under the leaves along the ridge from 450 to 1200 m above sea level by using route research method. The morphological characteristics and living habit of the eggs and larva collected from the host plant leaves were observed by using bionic feeding experiments.

Result The results show that the T. aureus has two generations per year in Jiulianshan. The overwintering morph is its pupa and the adult stage of first generation usually occurs between early April and mid-May. The adult period of second generation usually occurs between late August and mid-September, however. In 2013, the eggs and larvae were found under the leaves of M. foveolata (Magnoliaceae). In 2014~2015, the eggs and larvae of T. aureus under the leaves of Michelia maudiae implies that M. maudiae should be another new host plant for T. aureus. For now, the discovery is reported for the first time. The larvae of T. aureus undergo 5 instars and the difference of various instar larvae is significant. An important discovery for this study shows that the pupation of prepupae will undergo two molts in the region.

Conclusion The conclusion indicates that: (1) the distribution of eggs and larvae of T. aureus are closely related with the distribution of host plants grew in favorable habitats; (2) the female T. aureus lays eggs on healthy leaves of M. foveolata and M. maudiae and the larvae will chew on the leaves of M. maudiae; (3) the environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, may have a significant impact on the egg hatch, the larvae development, the pupation and the emergence of adults; (4) lack of female, low egg hatchability, longer larvae stage, low survival rate of larvae, low pupation rate, low eclosion rate and so on are the main reasons for their scarcity in this region; (5) the pupation of prepupae with two molts in other butterflies have not been reported so far and this is a special phenomenon that distinguishes from other butterflies.